Thomas "Tom" G. Wilking

Thomas “Tom” G. Wilking, age 72, of rural North Mankato, died Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.  Tom’s deep faith prepared him for eternal peace in heaven after 7 years of health challenges following a brain aneurysm in 2015.

Memorial Service 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Hosanna Lutheran Church, Mankato.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 1, at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato and will continue one hour before service on Thursday at the church.  Family interment will be in Hebron Cemetery, rural Nicollet, at a later date.

Memorials may be given to Hosanna Lutheran Church, Nicollet Lions Club, or the donor’s choice.

Tom was born January 6, 1951, to Walter F. and Helen E. (Vinson) Wilking in Mankato, MN.  He graduated from Nicollet High School in 1969.  Tom served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1969-71, aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise Aircraft Carrier, stationed off the coast of Vietnam.  He married Kathryn “Kathy” Thomas on October 30, 1976, in Lake Crystal.  His work passion was the family farm, started by his father in the 1930’s. In 1980, Tom and Kathy took over the farm and spent 37 years raising corn, soybeans, and a variety of livestock.  Tom drove semi for various firms including, New Ulm Freightlines, Yellow Freight, and Volk Transfer and also was employed by Nicollet County Public Works.  Tom was a past member and president of the Nicollet Lions Club and the Nicollet County Pork Producers, and was a Nicollet School Board member. Tom enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, playing cards, going to auctions, and especially going to his children’s and grandchildren’s events.

Tom is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathy; three children, Marci (David) Greisen of Le Sueur, Mitch (Christi) Wilking of Mankato, and Cody (Miranda) Wilking of Jordan; eight grandchildren, Owen, Callie, and Everett Greisen, Gavin and Ethan Wilking, Ambrie, Emmitt, and Annsley Wilking; brother, Bob (Inge) Wilking of Nicollet; mother-in-law, Vivian Thomas of Lake Crystal; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donnie Wilking and Jerry (Cookie) Wilking; father-in-law, Bob Thomas.